Travel Bulletin 16th March 2012

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March 16 2012 | ISSUE NO 1,770 | www.travelbulletin.co.uk

Croatia Operators introduce new options & itineraries to programmes

this week cruising is ACE 10 cruise news from Michelle Daniels from Cruise & Maritime

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event bulletin the story in pictures from our debut Southern & East Africa networking event

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south america Brazil takes lead as gap year destination for British professionals

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cyprus hoteliers undergo a series of refurbishments to entice visitors

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newsbulletin

This Week

Cover Pictures: Main - CNTO, Dubrovnik

Inset - Cosmos, Santiago de Chile

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news a round-up of the latest industry news, reports & offers

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notes from normanton

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agent bulletin

news & views from Sandy Murray from Sandy Travel agents booking Etihad on Faremine.com could win a holiday for two to Abu Dhabi

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cruising is ACE

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puzzle bulletin

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cruise bulletin

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training

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event bulletin

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personality bulletin

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croatia

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south america

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cyprus

cruise news from Michelle Daniels from Cruise & Maritime win a ÂŁ50 M&S voucher in our prize Su Doku puzzle

Crystal Cruises offers more stationary overnights

Richard English explains how to deal with objections when selling the story in pictures from our debut Southern & East Africa networking event which travel industry manager admits to watching Harry Potter when stressed? operators add new options & itineraries to programmes Brazil takes lead as gap year destination for British professionals hoteliers undergo a series of refurbishments to entice visitors

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GOING FOR GOLD...Travel Counsellors rewarded its top performing agents at an exclusive evening held at the five-star Chewton Glen Luxury Spa Hotel in Hampshire. Agents enjoyed an evening of fine dining and entertainment, including music from the Urban Soul Orchestra and a special awards presentation for those agents who had achieved Gold status for the first time was also held. Pictured. from the left, are: David Speakman, chairman of Travel Counsellors; Gold Travel Counsellors Sally Henderson, Blanche Summers and Steve Quinlan; Malcolm Hingley, sales director; and Gold Travel Counsellors, Louise Webster and Helen Knowles.

Amadeus reveals major growth in travel volumes during Olympics AMADEUS, IN conjunction with Forward Data SL, a market research and consulting company publishing ForwardKeys.com, has unveiled a range of travel data trends, based on actual global air reservations, which details the impact of the London 2012 Olympics.

With fewer than 150 days to go before the Games, the findings reveal that travel volumes into London will significantly increase during the Games-time period. The research also demonstrates the global impact of the Games as other European cities, connected to London via high speed rail, see increased traffic, while long-haul routes experience heightened volumes.

Key findings from the research reveals a huge spike in arrivals (143% increase compared to the same day last year) on July 26, the day before the opening of the Games. When the period of analysis is broadened to include the four days before the event, scheduled future arrivals show an overall increase of 31% when compared to the previous year.

The results also show that US citizens have taken the lead in early bookings with analysis showing a 82% surge in bookings to London as early as August 2011 when compared to the same period last year. Currently, US citizens represent 17% of scheduled arrivals but German travellers are in hot pursuit, representing 11% of scheduled arrivals during the period of analysis. When considered in relative terms, Estonia is recording the largest increase in visitors to London with a 14-fold increase in arrivals during the Games.

In addition, the traditionally successful Olympic nations of Jamaica (four-fold increase) and Brazil (three-fold increase) show the largest relative growth in scheduled arrivals for long-haul travel.

Meanwhile, Brussels, Amsterdam and Paris are all linked to London by high speed rail and all three cities have registered surges in arrivals during the period of the Games. During the three-week period of the Olympics, future scheduled arrivals in Brussels are up 49% compared to 2011; Amsterdam 28%; and Paris 5%. These figures suggest that travellers are increasingly adopting high-speed rail links in conjunction with air travel in order to reach London.

Analysis of scheduled departures from all London airports reveals that Londoners are 11% more likely to stay in the city during the Olympics period than they did in 2011. This finding suggests that contrary to popular opinion, Londoners are not flocking en masse to rent out their homes and to travel abroad. Instead, it seems that the vast majority of Londoners are keen to play an active role in the event.

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newsbulletin CHESTER CELEBRATIONS... more than 55 independent travel agents from Chester and the surrounding region joined members of Bright (Bringing Real Information & Guaranteed High Quality Training) for the first training workshop of its tenth anniversary year last month at The Best Western Queen Hotel in Chester. The workshop gives travel agent partners the latest information on destinations, unique selling points and updates on new programmes.

Pictured is Norma Thompson from Travel Places, who won the star prize at the event - a holiday for two in Jersey with Robin Segal (left) and John Markham of Jersey/Preston Travel.

Hurtigruten offers free flights on selected departures this spring

The MS Polarlys in Geirangerfjord, Norway

HURTIGRUTEN HAS launched a free flight offer this spring on selected departures during April.

Available on the 12-day Classic Round Voyage from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north and back, the company says it is an ideal option for agents looking to offer better value to their customers, with prices now leading in at £1,587 per person.

Customers travelling during April will also be able to enjoy their journey under the new ‘The Arctic Awakening’ theme, which includes a range of shore excursions and on board activities. As part of this guests will have the

Dusit International announces Deluxe Hot Springs Resort in Hainan, China DUSIT INTERNATIONAL is developing a second project in China, Dusit Devarana Hainan.

Scheduled to launch next year, the 300-room resort is located within the rare natural 93oC hot springs and will showcase various spring-water features, from outdoor bathing pools to ensuite bathrooms supplied with fresh hot and cold springwater.

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The property is designed as a low-rise complex of villas and deluxe rooms and will feature more than 12 crafted spring-water bathing pools of varying sizes and temperatures.

The resort will offer a choice of two restaurants including Western and Chinese cuisines, while outdoor activities available in the surrounding region include mountain trekking and cycling.

March 16 2012

opportunity to learn new skills, such as how to shell prawns and fillet fish under the guidance of local fishermen.

In addition, from mid-April, the ships sail into the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a big draw for many travellers.

Prices include free flights with BMI from Heathrow on selected dates next month and full board on the ship, based on two sharing.

For more information call 020-8846 2666 or see www.hurtigruten.co.uk/agents

Mailbox Mailings with Travel Bulletin this week include: ● Treyn - Introducing Rail & Stay, a superb collection of

exciting independent city breaks from Treyn. Each break includes standard class return rail travel from London St Pancras International to the chosen destination, and bed and breakfast accommodation in a centrally-located 3* or 4* hotel. With prices starting from as little as £195 per person, these Rail & Stay holidays represent fantastic value for money.

For reservations call 01904 734 633 or visit www.RailHolidays.com For further details and special offers please read the mail shots that accompany this issue

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newsbulletin h c t a W o Ones t grammes travel pro p to e th A pick of ant to miss... w you don't

Food Tripper on Sunday 18th March 2012 at 21:00 on The Travel Channel This series sees presenter Helen Hokin explore food history and culture around the world. This week she's in the Black Forest where she receives a guided gastro-forage, picks her way through cherry orchards and samples artisan Black Forest ham and cheese.

Midlands 'Olympic' Summer Ball announced ELITE TRAVEL Group has announced details of this year's Midland Ball, which takes place on July 5 at the Marriott Forest of Arden Hotel, Meriden. Current headline sponsors include Elite Travel Group and Travel Bulletin. The event is open to all travel industry colleagues and tickets are available for £85 per person or £800 for a table of ten. Attendees are also invited to take part in the golf tournament during the day at £75 per ticket.

For details and tickets see www.midlandsball.co.uk or email events@elitetravelgroup.co.uk

WHAT COULD YOU DO WITH

£50?

…BRAVO! Visit www.titanagents.co.uk

IN RESPONSE to growing demand, Virgin Atlantic is increasing the number of flights to Ghana from March 26, by adding two extra services weekly from Heathrow to Accra. The service will now run every day apart from Wednesday and Saturdays, with Thursday being the busiest day for travel between the two locations. The carrier reports that in the last six months, sales between the cities have grown by more than 50% in Upper Class and Premium Economy cabins aimed at business travellers and those looking for luxury.

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Make any Titan booking between today and 30 April for any departure in 2012 and receive £50 Love2shop vouchers.

To claim email agentadmin@titantravel.co.uk The more you book, the more you can shop.

1. Offer applies to new bookings only. 2. Only one claim per booking permitted. 3. To claim email agentadmin@titantravel.co.uk with booking reference number, ABTA and contact details. 4. Cut off period for bookings and claims is 30 April 2012. 5. In the event of cancellation the booking will no longer qualify for award. 6. All agents are responsible for any taxation implications. 7. Titan reserves the right to withdraw or amend this offer at any time.

ABTA No.Y174X

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newsbulletin Tweets of the Week Who’s saying what on Twitter...

Katie - Cox & Kings Read our marketing director's tips for selfdriving in Namibia blog.coxandkings.co.uk /blog/ VisitBritain Check out this new ad featuring Stephen Fry, Julie Walters, Rupert Grint and Michelle Dockery youtu.be/viCZ4XjTliY First Choice Tenerife takes the top spot in the February destinations. Read all about it here bit.ly/ABMNvi ebookers 11 Day Transatlantic Cruise from Miami to Barcelona fr £200 pp for Inside Cabin & only £340 for Mini Suite with (cont) tl.gd/ga7snt Pontins It's been a year since we were bought by Britannia Hotels. What's changed?

Find out here: http://www.pontins.com/ accommodation/update/ ethos marketing Amanda at @ShakaZuluLondon last night for the @TravelBulletin networking event, representing @serenahotels & Rani yfrog.com/ntbpdswj SouthernCrossTravel Amazing Southern/Eastern Africa training last night at the incredible Shaka Zulu restaurant in Camden!

Thanks to @TravelBulletin!

Follow us on Twitter! http://twitter.com/ TravelBulletin 6

LJUBLJANA LAUNCH...celebrating the launch of a new service with Adria Airways from Luton to Ljubljana in Slovenia are, from the left: Ambassador of Slovenia to the UK, HE Mr Iztok Jarc; Glyn Jones, managing director, Luton Airport; Tine Murn, head of UK & R.O.I. communication, Slovenian Tourist Office; and Alen Mlekuz, director corporate communications, Adria Airways.

The new service will operate four times weekly from March 25.

Funway focuses on tailor-made options in 2012/13 US brochure FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has unveiled its US 2012/13 second edition brochure launch, which showcases the company's selection of hotels, tours and airline partners, with a key focus on price and access to fully tailor-made itineraries.

The 52-page brochure is valid for travel between April 1 and March 31, 2013 and the lead-in price includes four nights at Palm Mountain Resort, California on a room-only basis from £549 per person, including flights with United Airlines and car hire.

New additions for this year include air upgrades from £225 per person one-way;

all Gatwick and Heathrow bookings made before March 31 will receive a free Lounge pass including a glass of Champagne; and a free VIP Discount book per booking for savings at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets and Samsonite backpack.

Other additions include two new accommodation options - the boutique four-star Affinia Chicago, where prices lead in at £815 per person for three nights including flights with BA and the five-star London NYC, where prices start from £1,149 per person for three nights including flights with US Airways.

For details see www.funway4agents.co.uk

New ‘Pre-Launch Offers’ brochure from Fred. Olsen FRED. OLSEN Cruise Lines has produced a special brochure of ‘Pre-Launch Offers’ to give early bookers the opportunity to take advantage of some competitive prices on a selection of 57 worldwide cruises in 2013/14, from eight regional UK departure ports, ahead of the main brochure launch later in the year.

There are cruises to suit all tastes, with prices starting from £84 per person and launch prices are available until April 26. The brochure includes exUK cruises from eight UK regional ports; departures form Harwich and Belfast for the first time; and the return of cruises from Liverpool. The other UK ports featured are Southampton, Dover, Newcastle, Greenock (Glasgow) and Rosyth (Edinburgh).

Highlights include a 28-night ‘Greek Odyssey’ on Black Watch, a 17-night exploration of undiscovered Lapland from Harwich, ten nights visiting the ‘Highlands and Islands’ of the British Isles and a monthlong sailing of the Caribbean on Balmoral.

Short breaks, week-long holidays to Norway, two-week sailings to the Baltic, Europe or the Mediterranean, and fly/cruises on Braemar to the Canaries, Cape Verde and Africa are also featured.

For more information see www.fredolsencruises.com or call 01473-742424.

March 16 2012

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newsbulletin Spring savings in Marrakech from Specialist Morocco SPECIALIST MOROCCO is offering 35% off spring breaks to Riad Africa in the old city of Marrakech, located a fiveminute walk from Djemaa el Fna square.

The property is traditional in design and has been carefully restored using local materials and decorated with African artefacts.

Each of the individually-decorated African-themed rooms features air-conditioning, iPod docks plus free high-speed wireless internet access.

Guests are also loaned a local mobile phone free of charge which comes pre-programmed with useful numbers including the riad manager and local taxi companies.

The price of a discounted three-night break valid anytime from now until April 30 starts from £87 per person, based on two sharing on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

Extra nights cost from £29 per person per night for a standard suite.

The larger suites, which sleep up to three people, cost from £78 per night and the Royal Suite which sleeps a family of four costs from £98 per night.

The operator can also arrange private transfers, tours to the Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert and Essaouira on request.

For more information or to book call 020-7193 2461 or visit www.specialistmorocco.com

Newsbites GREEN ISLAND Holidays will be promoting its weddings in North Cyprus at the National Wedding Show, NEC Birmingham, on March 16-18. ● THE SIXTH National Cruise Week (NCW) will take place from September 15-23. ACE, who is organising the event, will provide dedicated training, support and guidance for agents.

In addition, for the first time Columbus Day which is part of the 2012 ACE Cruise Convention will be held during the week in Birmingham on September 20. ● ETIHAD AIRWAYS has announced the launch of non-stop daily flights to Washington, DC, the airline’s fourth destination in North America, from March 31, 2013, subject to regulatory approvals. ● AL FRESCO Holidays is highlighting Duinrell theme park in Holland as an ideal choice for families. The park will welcome a new 361m rollercoaster in April and free entry to the park is included for clients who holiday in one of the operator's luxury mobile homes.

Call 0871-971 0600 or visit www.thomsonalfresco.co.uk/agent ● FLYBE HAS increased capacity from Glasgow to Birmingham, and has based one of its Embraer 195 jet aircraft at the airport for the first time to facilitate the upgrade. This has resulted in an additional 70,000 seats now being available for sale. One-way fares cost from £29.99 including taxes and airport charges. ●

* Terms and Conditions apply. Please visit www.tttandt.com/incentives.aspx for details ** Terms and conditions apply. Please visit www.tttandt.com/incentives.aspx for details.

Travel Trade Tickets and Tours is a trading name of NAR UK Ltd, an ABTA bonded tour operator established 1981.

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March 16 2012

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MOVERS Dave Walsh has been appointed Etihad Airways' country manager, Ireland. ● Kuoni has appointed Victoria Fenton as area sales executive for the North; Clare Syrett as area sales executive for London and the East; and Curtis Hunter as area sales Executive for the West. ● All Discovery Cruising has appointed Rebecca Lott as business development manager to further strengthen its relationship with the trade. ● &Beyond has appointed Ryan Powell as sales director. ● Travel Indochina has appointed Manda Churchill as UK general manager. ● Accor has appointed Thomas Dubaere as managing director for UK and Ireland. ● Amadeus has appointed Jeff Edwards to head its hotel division. ● Julia Gregory has joined Gatwick Airport as head of surface transport and Willie McGillivray and Derek Hendry have joined the airport's executive management team. ● The River Cruise Line has appointed Roger Cross as a second agency sales manager. ● David Hinder has joined Superbreak as sales executive for the South West and South Wales ●

Notes from . . . n o t n a m r o N O TWO weeks seem to be the same at the moment. It seemed a bit quieter last week but talking to people at our ABTA meeting on Wed quite a few said it was very up and down so now I’m looking forward to an ‘up week’.

Thank you to everyone that came to the Yorks ABTA meeting - we had 66 people attend which is a big difference to the normal 20–25! Just shows how interested everyone is about the ATOL Reform and Simon Bunce and Paula MacFarlane from ABTA Legal covered a lot of interesting points and also handed out some very useful packs on the subject. They also reminded us that there is loads of info on the subject on the ABTA website so have a look - it might answer your questions. David Clover was also with us from the CAA and he too had lots of questions to answer which I thought he responded to very well. There were a couple of points raised and both Simon and David will be looking into them and clarifying them once they have an answer. Agency Agreements was raised and the fact that we all have to have new ones – is this an opportunity for tour operators to change them in their favour if they want to? Of course it is! I thought it was good that Alan Cross from Jet2Holidays said they were working on having theirs on the website and easily available, as are their T&Cs – I love it when operators keep things simple to help us. I think there were a lot of small agents like myself who think the best thing is carry on as we are but use operators that can package things together for us and take responsibility like Jetset, Travel2, JTA etc., and even Superbreak have started doing flights with accommodation. With so much choice why would we be paying out for extra security?

Tony Hallwood gave a great presentation on what is happening at Leeds Bradford Airport – the new additions which include a new restaurant & bar, shopping mall plus more space will be fantastic and I think there will be a lot of people wanting to use the airport this summer (me included!). Thank you to LBA for sponsoring the evening.

‘Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance you must keep moving’ and ‘A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it’.

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by SANDRA MURRAY of Sandy Travel in Normanton, Yorkshire

WEBSCLUSIVES ●

Brochure of the Week: Castaways – Top level service, up to 15% commission and now you can earn a Hotel Chocolat Easter Egg by booking before 6th April.

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Photographs from Travel Bulletin’s Southern & East Africa Showcase event can be viewed on www.travelbulletin.co.uk/southern-a-east-africashowcase.

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Agents completing VBRATA’s bite-size www.brazilonlinetraining.com will be entered into a prize draw to win one of four fam trip places to Brazil. There will be four runner-up prizes of dinner for two at a traditional Brazilian restaurant.

All this and more at: To respond to any of Sandy’s comments email jill. sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk

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www.travelbulletin.co.uk The home of the web savvy travel agent www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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agentbulletin Booking incentives ●

FUNWAY HOLIDAYS has introduced two new incentives - ‘Fajita Fridays’ and ‘Where’s Terry?’. For the Fajita incentive, the operator has teamed up with Mexican food specialist, Discover Foods and throughout the rest of this month, for every Mexico booking made by March 31, agents will receive a Fajita Kit packed with soft plain flour tortillas as well as a sachet of Fajita Seasoning Mix and Salsa.

Winners are announced every Friday and delivered their meal kit ready for the weekend!

For the Where’s Terry? incentive, the operator's new look Mexico brochure front cover features the company's new Mexico mascot - Terry the Iguana. The operator's sales team will be out in force visiting agencies across the UK this month armed with toy iguanas. Agents will be asked to get up close and personal in order to snap a winning picture and the best 20 pictures will be sent their own pet Terry. Pictures must be emailed to win@funway.co.uk by April 1.

Agents should include their name, agency details, ABTA number and location details of Terry the iguana.

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AGENTS BOOKING Etihad on Faremine.com this month could win a holiday for two to Abu Dhabi, including flights and four nights’ accommodation at the Hilton Abu Dhabi, excluding taxes. Meanwhile, Air France, KLM and Delta have teamed up with Faremine to give agents a £10 Capitol Bonds shopping voucher for every Air France and KLM Business Class/Air France Premium Voyageur and Delta (from MAN to/via Atlanta) Business Elite seat booked before March 31.

For details on both incentives visit www.faremine.com

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TRAVEL 2 is offering agents the chance to win VIP box tickets to see Coldplay at the Etihad stadium in Manchester on June 9. A total of 12 winners will receive VIP treatment including Champagne on arrival, a three-course meal and a Coldplay merchandise package. To qualify for the incentive, agents must make a booking on any Etihad flight or package holiday where the clients are travelling with Etihad with Travel 2 up to April 30. Agents can earn double entries when they book Business Class.

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TRANSUN IS reintroducing holidays to Iceland and to mark the occasion is offering agents a £20 Love2Shop voucher for every booking made to the destination before April 30. To redeem quote 'Travel Bulletin' at the time of booking. For details call 01865-265200.

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Agent offers

ROTANA HAS introduced an exclusive travel trade offer at its five-star Grand Rotana Resort & Spa in Sharm el Sheikh. Agents can stay at the property (pictured) from US$30 per night, including breakfast, based on twin share or $48 per night for a single room, valid through to the end of April. The trade rate is inclusive of all local taxes and service charges. Bookings are subject to availability and stays are valid until April 30, excluding the Easter period. The property features nine speciality restaurants and bars, a lagoon pool, diving centre and a 450m private beach. The resort caters to active travellers with a host of experiences, including snorkelling, windsurfing, horse and camel riding and desert safaris, while the resort's spa offers pampering treatments for guest s looking to relax. For more information and to book email res.grand@rotana.com THE FIVE-star Iliomare Hotel and Resort in Thassos, Greece is offering special rates for agents to sample the accommodation. Agents can stay at the property between April 27 and June 10 for €36 per person per night on a half-board basis and also stay seven nights for the price of five in a Junior Suite. To book email reservations@iliomare.gr

TITAN TREAT… Craig Liddle (right) and Ashley Rushman from Titan's agency sales team present Helen Hawke of Newell’s Travel with a new iPad 2 which she won by being picked from a draw as part of the operator's ongoing 5 Campaign .

For details visit www.titanagents.co.uk March 16 2012

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newsbulletin Cruising is

by Michelle Daniels sales manager at Cruise & Maritime Voyages IMES ARE tough there is no denying it. With everyone tightening their purse strings on everyday living expenses, the luxury of a holiday may seem to slip down the list in priority. However, recent reports suggest that despite all the doom and gloom, ‘the holiday’ is still important even if budgets are a little smaller or the length of holiday shorter.

The semi-inclusive nature of a cruise offers the consumer a perfect holiday solution offering fantastic value for money.

Cruise is now so diverse in product range and with so much choice on offer, there really is a cruise for everyone.

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cottages4you launches baby & toddler collection COTTAGES4YOU HAS introduced baby & toddler-friendly cottages to its portfolio.

The 200-plus properties have been individually selected to provide a holiday home away from home for new parents and young families and all properties offer essential equipment for parents, from the basics including a cot, high chair and baby bath to added extras including black out blinds, children’s crockery, sterilisers and nightlights.

Safety considerations have also been taken into account including safe, enclosed gardens or play areas plus safety features such as safety gates, fireguards and socket protectors. The operator also provides information on the best child-friendly places to eat, top local playgrounds and attractions and the nearest doctor.

As an example of prices, The Byre in Brigham, East Yorkshire leads in at £557 for seven nights' self-catering for a family of four (or £13.26 per person per night) for an April 20 arrival. Activities at the former farm building include feeding the sheep, ponies, goats, rabbits and guinea pigs on the children’s farm. A large sand pit, pedal tractors, trailers and diggers are also available.

For more information see www.cottages4you.co.uk or call 0845-268 1560.

Questions you should ask yourself are:– Do you sell city breaks?

Do you sell coaching holidays?

Do your customer’s enjoy a high level of personal service?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘Yes’, then you should be considering specialist cruise operators.

ACE is encouraging agents to ‘think differently’ and these could be the first small steps to help get your cruise business underway and introduce new customers to cruise or even existing cruise customers looking for something different.

The specialist cruise operators have so much to offer your customers from no fly programmes, small and traditional ships, to luxury onboard experiences, all with a high level of personal attentive service. They may not be as well known as the larger brands but they have some unique selling points.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages operates no fly cruising, on smaller ships from six UK ports. Carrying just 800 passengers, the well known Marco Polo & Ocean Countess both have a loyal following among seasoned cruisers and also attract new cruise customers. These ships are able to visit a wider choice of more remote ports of call making our itineraries different to those offered by the larger resort ships. The continued development of our onboard entertainment and service during 2011 saw approximately 95% of our customers rating their cruise experience as ‘good’ or ‘excellent’. ● Consider both new to cruise and seasoned cruisers ● Look at your city breaks, coaching holidays and short breaks databases ● Sell the key benefits/advantages of the cruise product ● Maximise earnings - look for opportunities to sell up to higher grade cabins and suites Check out CMV TV at www.cruiseandmaritime.tv to view our promotional videos and for more information on agent support contact agency sales on 0844 -414 6140. The specialist cruise brands are waiting for your call - good luck and happy selling!

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March 16 2012

New foodie walking tours in New York from DoSomethingDifferent.com DOSOMETHINGDIFFERENT.COM HAS expanded its product offering in New York to include four new foodie themed walking tours.

They include a Flavours of New York Walking Tour which costs £28 for adults and £20 for children and lasts for around two-and-a-half hours; a Chocolate, Wine and Dessert tour of the Upper West Side, which lasts for two-and-a-half-hours and costs £37 per person; a Craft Beer, Cheese and Chocolate Tour, which costs £37; and In the Steps of a Top Chef, which costs £31 per person and lasts around three hours.

For more information call 020-8090 3890.

Dertour launches new Danube river cruise DERTOUR HAS chartered the recently refurbished five-star MS Mozart to operate a new river cruise on the Danube for this year and has also launched a standalone brochure available for travel agents wishing to sell the cruise.

Two itineraries of eight and 15 days are available. The eightday option includes calls at Passau, Melk, Esztergram Budapest, Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna and Krems before returning to Passau. Shore excursions include the Wachau Valley in Austria, a city tour of Budapest, a city tour of Bratislava, a beer tasting evening, a Vienna city tour, Vienna by night, Wachau Valley, Dumstein Gottweig Abbey and wine tasting in Krems.

Prices start from £836 per person, based on two sharing and include seven nights’ full board accommodation, a cocktail reception, welcome dinner and captain’s gala dinner, daily entertainment, the services of a cruise director, all taxes along the route and English guided tours in all destinations.

A package including flights from Heathrow on March 31, April 7, October 13 and 20 plus transfers to the ship is also available from £ 1,123 per person.

For more information call 020-7290 1111 or visit www.dertour.co.uk

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puzzlebulletin Travagrams

Su Doku Win a £50 M&S voucher in the travelbulletin Su Doku prize puzzle

Can you solve the following anagrams to decipher the destination & tour operator?

Pang Hank Oh

Number: 056

A➠

B➠ This island is famous for its full moon parties

C➠

Slap Agog

D➠ Fill in all the squares in the grid so that each row, column and each of the 3 x 3 squares contains the digits 1-9.

Once you have completed the puzzle, simply identify the numbers that relate to the letters, A, B, C and D then e-mail the solution, with your name, company name, and full postal address plus phone and ABTA number if applicable to: competition@travelbulletin.co.uk Closing date for entries is Thursday, March 22nd. Solution and new puzzle will appear next week.

The winner for 2nd March is Fay Winning, Co-operative Travel in Chelmsford.

March 2 Solution: A=8 B=2 C=6 D=9

This South American archipelago has an explosive atmosphere

Where Am I?

Highest mountain in Canada, could also be a berry?

Crossword Fill in the crossword to reveal the mystery location highlighted by the green squares.

Number: 056

Across 1. European airline (3) 3. Yorkshire home of a famous parsonage (7) 6. Central American country on the Pacific (2,8) 8. River, sounds like an online store (6) 9. South African luxury train (4) 12. Flag carrier of Israel (2,2) 13. Hotels and Resorts Group (6) 15. Port city in Chile (10) 17. State capital of Maine (7) 18. One of the Kardashian sisters (3)

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Down 1. Movie about Edgar Allan Poe at a cinema near you (3,5) 2. Seaside resort on the Adriatic (7) 3. Greek god, counterpart of the Roman god, Sol (6) 4. George Michael was a former member of this duo (4) 5. Rhodes airport code (3) 7. TV comedy and popular Spanish resort (8) 10. Capital of the Shetland Islands (7) 11. Madrid is this airline's main hub (6) 14. Simians found on The Rock (4) 16. Airport code for 17 Across (3)

For the solution to the Crossword, Where Am I? and Travagrams, please see page 30 March 16 2012

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cruisebulletin Crystal Cruises offers more stationary overnights for upcoming European season CRYSTAL CRUISES has announced that it is focusing on significantly more local shipboard overnights at the beginning of cruises.

For the upcoming European season, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have doubled the number of voyages that begin with days (and nights) in port.

According to the company, the move eases the worry of late flight arrivals, lost luggage, relocating to/from hotels, finding quality restaurants and settling in prior to sight-seeing.

Overnights at the disembarkation ports of Venice,

Barcelona or Istanbul, for example, allow guests to see more of the final destination without having to move to a hotel or rush to the airport to fly home.

The company has also added overnights to the middle and/or end of the majority of cruises this year and the new strategic planning will extend through 2013 into 2014, with more than 85% of next year’s 64 itineraries offering two or more days in port and a more than 50% increase in overnights on embarkation day.

For more information call 020-7287 9040 or visit www.crystalcruises.co.uk

InBrief ● CELEBRITY CRUISES has expanded its

● CRUISE AND Maritime Voyages is offering an

wine programme to offer guests the opportunity to taste and learn more about wine. The updated programme introduces more than 100 new selections of wines by the bottle, including 20 additional new halfbottle selections and has also been expanded to include more wines from South America, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, Germany, Portugal and South Africa. When the ships are in wineproducing areas such as Australia and South America, guests will also have more opportunities to select locally produced wines.

For details visit www.celebritycruises.co.uk or call 0845-456 0523. ● NORWEGIAN CRUISE Line has launched a new elective module to its online agent training programme, NCLU at www.nclu.co.uk. The new brand elective aims to educate agents about the recently unveiled ‘Cruise Like a Norwegian’ brand platform, helping them to understand how they can use its messages to tell the story of the Norwegian experience. It also contains sales and marketing tips and ends in a short online quiz which counts towards overall NCLU points.

eight-night Easter Cruise cruise sailing from Tilbury on April 2 on Marco Polo. The itinerary visits four contrasting places in France plus the island of Guernsey. Prices start from £499 per person, offering a saving of 40% on the brochure price. A third person sharing the same cabin with two people pays £199.

For details see www.cruiseandmaritime.com or call 0844-414 6185. ● FOR BOOKINGS made by March 31, Oceania Cruises is offering savings of up to £1,982 per person and a $500 per stateroom onboard credit, to use in the restaurants, bars, spa and shops on board. A ten-night Mediterranean Tapestry’ cruise, sailing from Athens to Barcelona on May 2, leads in at £999 per person, excluding flights.

For details call 0845-505 1920 or visit www.oceaniacruises.com ● CARNIVAL IS offering a nine-night Caribbean cruise from £1,199 per person with a free upgrade from an inside cabin to ocean view.

The fly/cruise deal is applicable on a September 1 from London with a sailing on Carnival Legend and includes scheduled flights and the cruise on a full board basis.

For details see www.carnivalcruise.co.uk or call 0845-351 0556.

Paul Gauguin completes $7million renovation PAUL GAUGUIN Cruises, operator of luxury cruise ship, the MS Paul Gauguin, has revealed the completion of a $7million renovation – the largest in the ship’s 14-year history.

The renovation took place during the ship’s ten-night crossing from Tahiti to Brisbane, as well as during the 11-night drydock that followed, when extensive enhancements were made to both the interiors and exteriors of the ship. Renovations include new flooring and replaced carpeting, new furniture, new window treatments and decorative wall panels and new signage. All suites and staterooms also now feature new teak railings on the balconies and new bathroom flooring.

Prices for cruises start from £3,635 per person for a seven-night Tahiti & The Society Islands cruise round trip from Papeete, visiting Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Moorea.

Prices include Economy flights from the UK, transfers, a night in Los Angeles, use of a day room post cruise and seven nights on the Paul Gauguin in an ocean-view stateroom with all meals, soft drinks, selected alcoholic beverages and gratuities.

For more information call 020-7434 0089 or visit www.pgcruises.com

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March 16 2012

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to sail from Belfast in 2013

FRED. OLSEN CRUISE Lines will commence calls from Belfast next year, with 880-guest Boudicca making two turnaround visits in October 2013.

The company's director of planning, Matt Grimes, said: “I am delighted that Boudicca will be operating two exciting itineraries from Belfast Harbour in 2013.

This is great news for all our guests living in the local area, as previously they have had to endure an expensive flight or long ferry crossing to reach our ships. Now, they can choose from an autumn escape to the sun or a mini cruise to Liverpool, where the ship will berth right in the heart of this vibrant city."

Boudicca will be offering a 12-night Iberian and two-night mini cruises to Liverpool from Belfast in October.

Meanwhile, the company will be adding Harwich to its list of regional departure ports next year, with Boudicca’s sister ship, Black Watch, operating four itineraries from the port in May and June 2013.

For more information visit www.fredolsencruises.com

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training How to deal with g in ll e s n e h w s n o ti c je ob

by RICHARD ENGLISH N MY last article I left you with the scenario where a customer has objected to your suggested travel solution of a week in the Venice Hilton, by claiming that it was not right because it wasn’t on the main island. Now, it might well be that this customer is telling no more than the truth and so, if you come up with a similar kind of hotel on the main island then that will be acceptable and you can proceed. Obviously, when you were investigating your customer’s needs you didn’t find out that a hotel on the main island was what was needed.

But you might find an alternative hotel – maybe the Bauer – and then discover that this, too, is apparently not what your customer wants and you get the objection, “Ah, but it’s bit near to St Mark’s Square – it’s so noisy there.” So you have another go and suggest the Centurion Palace. And what happens?

You get another objection “Ah yes, but it doesn’t have an outdoor pool.”

I

People tell lies!

After a few attempts to find a suitable alternative it’s all too easy to give up and send your customer away with a few brochures and you never see him or her again.

And this happens because people tell

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lies. Rather than admitting the real reason why they don’t want the product you have offered they tell a lie – or in sales jargon, they “raise a false objection”.

And why do they do that? Almost always it’s because they are ashamed to tell you the real reason why they don’t want your offer. And often – although not always – it’s because what you have offered is too expensive, and they don’t care to say so. And they will object away hoping that you’ll come up with something that meets their budget.

False objections almost invariably arise because you have not found out your customer’s real needs. Possibly when you asked about budget you received the answer, “Oh, we want something reasonable.” And since you can’t know what “reasonable” is to another person, you put your own, incorrect, interpretation on the term.

What’s wrong with my offer?

That, of course, is what you need to find out. You can’t find a suitable alternative for your customer unless you find out what really is wrong with the product you have offered. Of course, just asking what’s wrong might not get you a truthful answer so you need to be a bit

cunning and ask your question differently. And there are a couple of easy ways that you can do this.

Firstly you can set the objection aside by asking something like: “Well apart from the location, how is the hotel otherwise?” If the problem is really with the location then the customer will tell you that. But if it’s really the price and not the location then your customer will have to admit this and you can then ask again what the customer’s budget is, and try to find something to match it.

Or you can use a hypothetical alternative – which means that you suggest an alternative but don’t offer it.

Like this. “OK. What if I find a hotel that’s on the main island – same category, same facilities and same kind of price – how would that do?” Again, if the first hotel you suggested is right in every respect apart from its location, then your customer will say so and agree that you can go ahead. But again, if it’s really the price then he or she will be forced to admit the fact and you will need to find out what kind of price is acceptable. ✦

For more information about this, or any other aspect of training, contact Richard English on 01403-710371 or email retraining@pncl.co.uk

March 16 2012

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eventbulletin TRAVEL BULLETIN held its debut Southern & East Africa Showcase networking event on March 6 at Shaka Zulu restaurant in Camden, London, in association with SATOA. The event kicked off with a welcome cocktail reception and refreshments, followed by networking opportunities and presentations, before concluding in a scrumptious buffet meal, free prize draw and entertainment. 18 exhibitors took part and our headline sponsors included South African Airways, Sun International, Tourism Kwazulu-Natal and Botswana Tourism. Here's a snap shot of the night in pictures...

Photo coverage sponsored by

Photos by Colin Antill of www.fotoseeker.com

WINNING WAYS...Nadine Rankin (left) from Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Jeanette Ratcliffe (right) from Travel Bulletin present Yaksha Varia from Thomas Cook with her prize of a KwaZulu-Natal fam trip place.

PAR PAIR UP... Geraldine Allan (left) and Helen Barr from Par Avion get the latest news updates from Adam Weatherby of South African Tourism .

n ESCAPE TO BOTSWANA... Dawn Parr (left) and Bele pe Navarro (right) from Botswana Tourism show Esca left) Worldwide agents, Darren Vurnum (second from and Mark Haughton how to sell to the destination.

GAME ON... Elle Reinink (left) from Tswalu Kalahari Game Reserve teams up with Shirley Kennealy and Lee Kennealy from Rhino World Travel to explain the game reserve attractions.

GULF GOODIES...pictured checking out the goodies on the Gulf Air showcase stand are, from the left: Emma Butler and Ann Holmes from Holidays4Travel with the airline's Susan Cameron and Matthew Perfect.

Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at http://tinyurl.com/7wop54h

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March 16 2012

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eventbulletin

Photo coverage sponsored by

about Ethiopian Airlines' SUN SEEKERS...pictured learning more abou t Sun PLANE SAILING... pictured finding out International's product are hir Set a nik Mo d an ft) (le hi Set Pa rv ul Ha Stowe (left) from Stowawa services and routes is y Travel and Peter Foster fro r's rie car the h wit , vel Tra ey ckn m Ha Th from ose ht) Tr rig av from el d Gu ys, with the (secon operator's Amie Howard (se hammed Ali .

Mo d an ) left from co d nd con (se fro nes m an rig Yoh ht) and Zoe Ovens.

Micheal

LEARNING THE ROPES... Cathi e O'Dea (left) of Travel Counsellors hook s up with Caroline Tjia - Kerzner One&Only Cape Town to learn mo re about the resort.

AFRICAN SPIRIT... getting into the spirit of the Africa rhythm is Nadine Rankin (left) from Tourism KwaZulu-Natal with Trevor Bones and Anneka Bones from Southern Cross Travel.

CAT'S OUT THE BAG... having fun with the big cats is Amanda Emmerson (left) and Yaksha Varia from Thomas Cook Retail.

PETER'S PALS...Peter Laverick from South African Airways gets acquainted with Marilyn Lucas (left), Christine Hulpe and Hayley Rowe (right), all from Thomas Cook , Muswell Hill.

Full photo coverage of the showcase event, with downloadable images, can be found at http://tinyurl.com/7wop54h

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March 16 2012

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Photos by Colin Antill of www.fotoseeker.com

CHOCS AWAY... getting tem pted by some chocolates from Ed Soole (second from right) from Brussels Airlines are, from the left: Laura Sapwell, Dave Grande and Jasmine Embr echts from Flight Centre.

S03 TB1603 News 2_Layout 1 14/03/2012 11:56 Page 16

personalitybulletin

Tolene van der Merwe The chairlady of SATOA & general manager of Boutique Travel Marketing SATOA is partial to Ferrero Rocher and deals with stress by watching Harry Potter...

What's your earliest childhood memory?

Riding a horse with my dad and at the age of three trying to steer the biggest horse in the world down a steep hill and he just went where I told him to go. His name was Morgan – a beautiful black horse.

“Never worry about money - you will always find a way”

Where was your last work-related trip?

Mauritius to view some beautiful hotels.

If you were a celebrity who would you choose to be and why?

Kate Hudson – she is beautiful, honest and a very versatile actress.

What three words would your friends use to describe you?

Funny, devoted, crazy.

What have your travels taught you?

That this is an amazing world, and despite growing up in a very small town and being sheltered my whole life that there are so many different people, beliefs and things out there and if God made us all the same… this would be a very boring world indeed.

What is the best advice you recall?

Never worry about money - you will always find a way.

If you could have a room full of any one thing, what would it be?

Ferrero Rocher chocolate.

If you could change three things in the industry, what would they be?

Controlled airport departure taxes and landing taxes. I can’t think of anything else – I love our industry and think we are a very organised one.

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March 16 2012

Career path 1997: Receptionist at Exclusive Getaways in Cape Town. Worked my way up to senior consultant & sales executive ● 2002: National sales manager for Lanzerac Hotel & Spa in Stellenbosch ● 2005: Product manager for African Affair in London ● 2007: General manager of Boutique Travel Marketing – currently still here ● 2009: Chairlady of SATOA and currently still hold this position. ●

Who has been the biggest inspiration/influence in your career?

My very first boss in tourism. She is my mentor, my personal and career guide and is always there to lend an ear and despite her hectic life, she always has time to listen.

What's your favourite city and why?

Cape Town. The feeling I get when you drive into the city and see the beautiful Table Mountain towering over the glorious city bowl is breathtaking and the beaches are so beautiful and the people are beautiful.

If you were not doing this job, what would you be doing?

I would be a game ranger.

What is your motto in life?

Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

What is your favourite mode of travel?

A very large Business Class flight. It is a rare occurrence to get Business Class so I love it when it does happen.

If you had a super power what would it be and why?

Speed (Flash Gordan style) so I can get everything I want to do in my life done.

What was your nickname at school and why?

T – is just so much easier to shout “T pass the ball” on a hockey pitch than my full name.

What item do you always take with you when travelling?

GHD Hair straighteners (girls, I am sure you can all relate to the importance of this item).

What's your favourite airline and why?

Emirates Airlines - amazing onboard service and I love the A380.

How do you deal with stress?

I watch Harry Potter – nothing like going into a fantasy world and forgetting real life.

What song would you have played at your funeral?

Walking on Sunshine – I want people to dance and be happy and celebrate my life.

If your life was turned into a movie, which actor would play you?

Kate Hudson or Charlize Theron – given the South African heritage.

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croatia INTREPID TRAVEL is offering a new eight-day sailing trip in Croatia, which sails from Dubrovnik to Primosten (or reverse) every Saturday between April 28 and October 13. Visitors can mix days of sunbathing and swimming with time spent exploring medieval fortresses, visiting local restaurants, and hiking ancient ruins. Prices lead in at £885 per person.

For details see www.intrepidtravel.com

Indus Tours launches dedicated Croatia brochure with high-end products INDUS TOURS has released its first dedicated programme of holidays to Croatia for the 2012 season. It covers the whole country, offering a hand-picked selection of high-end products and experiences that can be individually pieced together; from city stays and beach resorts to Adriatic cruises and island hideaways.

Highlights include the wildlife and waterfalls of Plitvice National Park, skiing in the winter and a summertime playground of bays, beaches and island scenery along the Dalmatian coastline.

For simplicity, the brochure breaks the country down into five distinct regions and provides introductory information on each along with a wide selection of hotel options -from familyfriendly self-catering apartments to five-star properties.

The operator also offers three eight-day cruise itineraries that take in all the highlights of the Dalmatian coast, while a

luxury gulet charter options allows guests to cruise in privacy.

Cruise itineraries can be combined with land-based products to create an itinerary that meets clients' individual preferences and needs.

The brochure also extends to the nearby, landlocked country of Macedonia, allowing customers to go further afield.

Commenting on the new brochure, Yasin Zagar, the operator's manager director, said: "Croatia's heady mix of culture, scenery and upmarket hotels makes it the perfect complement to our existing range of destinations. Whether it's for a long weekend break, a family holiday or a thorough exploration into a fascinating history and culture, our excellent product and flexible approach make our new Croatia programme the ideal fit for our discerning clientele."

For more information call 020-8901 7320, email holidays@industours.co.uk or visit www.industours.co.uk

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No. No. 1 choice for flights

DEPOSITS – we don’t demand full payment up front * COMMISSION – we’ll reward you for booking with us CHOICE – 45 destinations from 10 UK airports PROTECTION – our flights are ATO L bonded DEDICATION – our trade support team is here

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March 16 2012

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croatia Essentially Prestige offers selection of summer discounts & added value deals ESSENTIALLY PRESTIGE has reported a sharp increase in its Croatia business with bookings reaching 97% of last year’s total.

The operator's marketing manager, Nicky Shafe, said: "We are delighted to have seen such a good start to our second year of selling Croatia. We are working closely with the trade to promote the destination and it's paying off. We are also planning a series of back to back agent fams in April which should give our summer sales to the destination an additional boost."

The company is offering a range of discounts and added value offers for this summer, such as a 40% discount on seven night stays or more at the four-star boutique Hotel Villa Marija in Tucepi on Croatia’s Markarska Riviera in May, saving £126 per person.

May packages, with the saving, start from ÂŁ369 per person, including bedand-breakfast accommodation, flights and transfers. The same break departing

from Manchester costs ÂŁ456 and from Bristol for ÂŁ515.

Meanwhile, this year's Kvarner Festival features Nigel Kennedy and his ensemble, who will be performing in the open air theatre in Opatija on Friday June 8 at 20:00. Customers booking with the operator and arriving on June 6 (departing on June 13) will receive free tickets to the concert and to three others - including those featuring members of the Vienna and Berlin Philharmonic orchestras. Concerts take place in the open air theatre or the Crystal ballroom, both a few minutes walk from the fourstar Grand Hotel on Opatija's waterfront.

A week's stay departing on June 6, costs from ÂŁ687 per person including scheduled flights from Heathrow with Croatia Airlines, shared transfers, breakfast accommodation and free concert tickets worth a total of ÂŁ120.

The operator has also expanded its Love Croatia programme for this year with the inclusion of

more self-catering and all-inclusive options for families, a five-star golfing break in Istria and wedding packages in Dubrovnik and on the island of Rab. Five new resorts have also been added Banjole, Fazana and Savudrija in the Istria region, Sumartin on the island of Brac, Plat and the island of Mljet in the Dalmatia region.

Holidays start from ÂŁ319 per person at the Island Fortuna hotel in Porec in Istria including flights from Stansted to Pula, transfers and bed-and-breakfast accommodation, offering a saving of ÂŁ40 per couple.

Also new for this year is a coach tour of the country, seven-night self-drive itineraries covering the regions of Istria and mid and Southern Dalmatia and a ten-night cruise and stay break.

For more information call 01425-480400 or visit ww.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia

Grand Hotel Opatija

Attraction World highlights half-day Dubrovnik Panorama Tour for £29 ATTRACTION WORLD is highlighting its Panorama Tour of Dubrovnik, where guests can experience a bird’s eye view of the Old Town.

The tour takes visitors on a walk along cobbled streets in the company of a professional guide whilst discovering the treasures of Dubrovnik's past and

present. The half-day tour is designed to show off the city’s architectural treasures, artistic intensity and cultural opulence and is commissionable to agents.

Prices lead in at ÂŁ29 per adult and ÂŁ15 per child aged two to nine years.

For more information see www.attractionworld.com or call 0871-700 8888.

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croatia

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THE DUBROVNIK Sun Gardens on Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is a fully integrated five-star resort and offers both hotel facilities at the luxury Radisson Blu Hotel, as well as an opportunity for freehold residential ownership. The resort features its own beach, a collection of 13 bars and restaurants, three pools and is situated 15 minutes from Dubrovnik's Old Town. An Easter package costs from €140 per residence per night and a 10% discount is applicable for stays booked by April 30. The price includes accommodation in a one-bedroom Garden view residence for a maximum three guests, free access to the resort's spa and wellness centre with specially reduced rates for treatments and free access to the resort's sports centre with a 50% discount for use of the sports courts and equipment.

Croatia hosts plethora of summer festivals THIS SUMMER, Croatia is playing host to eight different festivals attracting some of the biggest names in dubstep, electronic, pop and rock.

The season kicks off in June with INmusic (June 29-30), a two-day festival in Zagreb, described as ‘Glastonbury’s sunny Croatian alternative’, followed by the Hideout Festival, which takes place from June 29 to July 1 on the island of Pag. Back-to-back festivals are run throughout July in the town of Tisno on Murter Island; Garden Festival (July 4-11), Electric Elephant (July 12-16), Soundwave (July 19-23), SuncéBeat (July 25-31) and Stop Making Sense (August 2-6).

The season then wraps up with a dubstep festival in Pula Outlook Festival (August 30 - September 2) and is held in an abandoned fort in the ancient Roman city.

For more information visit www.croatia.hr

Airlines boost departures for summer DUBROVNIK WILL be served by four new routes from the UK this summer.

Jet2 is set to launch flights from Newcastle from June 9, while Monarch will fly from Manchester on March 27, Birmingham on May 1 and Gatwick on May 1.

Meanwhile, Ryanair will introduce flights connecting Zadar with East Midlands from July 2, with prices starting from £45.99 one-way.

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croatia Inntravel extends Cottages & More programme INNTRAVEL’S VILLAS, Cottages & More programme has been extended in Croatia for this year.

The operator now offers stays at Nina’s House, a detached two-bedroom stonehouse that sits above Prigradica Bay on Korčula’s tranquil northern coastline, 30m from the shore.

The property features its own flowered garden and barbecue terrace and is close to Vela Luka.

A week's self-catering stay at the property leads in at £842 and includes seven days' car hire. Flights are extra.

For more information see www.inntravel.co.uk

JET2HOLIDAYS.COM IS offering seven nights' half-board at the five-star Hotel Lone (pictured) in Rovinj, Croatia for £669 per person. The operator is also offering seven nights' half-board at the three-star Hotel Mediteran in Porec for £469 per person.

Prices are based on two sharing and include transfers, flights from Manchester on May 19 and 22kg baggage allowance.

For details visit www.jet2holidays.com

Nina’s House

Longwood sees increased demand for Croatia LONGWOOD HOLIDAYS, which introduced Croatia to its programme earlier this year, reports that demand for the destination continues to grow and that more agents are requesting brochures.

The company is offering holidays at six resorts along Croatia's Mediterranean coast, including Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Mlini, Makarska, Tucepi and Podgora. A range of accommodation to suit all budgets is available, including the five-star Grand Villa Argentina in Dubrovnik and the allinclusive three-star Epidaurus Hotel in Cavtat.

For more information visit www.longwoodholidays.co.uk/croatia or call 0844-770 0450.

C RO AT I A

The capital city of the cravat welcomes you!

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croatia Cosmos capitalises on new flights by expanding beach, tour & cruise options Dubrovnik

COSMOS HOLIDAYS has increased its range of holiday options to Croatia across its mainstream, touring and cruising programmes for this summer, following the introduction of Monarch’s new flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham offering up to three flights a week from each departure airport.

With a flexible choice of flights, customers can now choose how long to stay from a short break of two nights upwards. A wide choice of resorts and hotels are available in the Dubrovnik area including the medieval island of Korcula, the National Park of Mijet and the traffic free island of Lopud.

The operator also features the family-friendly resort of Cavtat and the mountain scenery and sandy beaches of Montenegro, which are a two-hour drive from Dubrovnik.

The four-diamond rated Grand Hotel

Park close to Dubrovnik Old Town is described as an ideal base to explore the area. A seven-night stay costs from £526 per person including flights from Manchester, seven nights' halfboard accommodation and transfers.

Meanwhile, the four-diamond rated Hotel Lafodia on Lopud island near Dubrovnik has recently been refurbished to offer a range of facilities for both adults and children.

A seven-night stay leads in at £533 per person including flights from Gatwick, half-board accommodation and transfers.

To meet increasing demand for stay & explore, twin-centre and cruises in and around Croatia and the Dalmatian coast, Cosmos Tours & Cruises has broadened its product range. The choice of ‘stay and explore’ includes a new eight-day ‘Korcula & Dubrovnik’ holiday. It includes four nights on the island of Korcula and three nights in

Dubrovnik. Prices lead in at £655 per person including flights, seven nights' half-board accommodation and transfers.

The company is also featuring a gulet cruise around the Dalmatian coast, new for this summer. The eight-day Dubrovnik & Croatian Islands Cruise includes visits to picturesque harbours and scenic villages including Dubrovnik, the islands of Korcula and Hvar, Trstenik on the peninsula of Peljesac and the islands of Mijet and Sipan.

Each cruiser offers an airconditioned lounge bar, dining room, accommodation and a spacious sun deck.

Prices start from £779 per person including flights and taxes, seven nights' half-board cruise and transfers. Flights are available from Edinburgh, East Midlands, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted.

NEILSON LAKES & Mountains has introduced Croatia to its programme this year and is featuring the seaside towns of Rovinj, Porec and Opatija and the historic city of Dubrovnik. As an example of prices, a nine-day Discover Croatia & Slovenia tour includes breakfast accommodation, five evening meals, flights and transfers and leads in at £1,199 per person.

For details visit www.neilson-trade.co.uk, email lmsales@neilson.com or call 0845-070 3466.

Take to Istria’s skies in a hot-air balloon BUZET HAS recently introduced balloon flights for tourists, offering an opportunity to experience Istria from the air.

Balloons are operated by licensed pilots and reach a maximum height of 3,500m. The one-hour flights are available to anyone aged 12 to 90.

For more information visit www.istria-buzet.com

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croatia Balkan Holidays adds three- and four-night short break options for summer BALKAN HOLIDAYS is launching three- and four-night breaks to Croatia this summer.

Flying from seven regional UK airports to Dubrovnik and from four regional airports to Split, the short breaks are available to Dubrovnik, Cavtat, Mlini, Slano and the Island of Korcula, via Dubrovnik and Trogir and Split, Makarska, Tucepi, Primosten, Island of Brac and Island of Hvar, via Split.

Prices lead in at ÂŁ172 per person to Split and ÂŁ213 per person to Dubrovnik and short breaks are available for departures between April and November on scheduled flights.

The above prices are based on an April 29 departure, staying three nights at the four-star Iberostar, Albatros in Dubrovnik on half-board, or three nights' half-board at the three-star Hotel Arkada, Stari Grad.

The breaks include flights and transfers, with departures from Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Leeds Bradford and Manchester for Dubrovnik and flights from Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and Bristol for Split.

To book or for more information visit www.balkanholidays.co.uk/agents or call 0845-130 1114.

Dubrovnik

CROATIA FROM ÂŁ319

Essentially Prestige offers everything you could want in Croatia, 3, 4 & 5 star hotels, self catering apartments, villas, lighthouses, city breaks, coach tour, casual cruising, twin centre holidays and a volunteer experience. We offer from the Istria region in the north, down to Dubrovnik in the south.

Stay 3 nights or longer.

Prices from ÂŁ319 for a 7 night stay in a 3 star hotel in Porec, on BB in October.

Marks & Spencers vouchers for each booking made.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 484202 or www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/croatia

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southamerica Cosmos Tours & Cruises introduces new 16-day ‘Patagonian Discovery’ escorted tour COSMOS TOURS & Cruises has expanded its South American programme for this year with a new tour of Argentina and Chile – the 16-day Patagonian Discovery.

Customers can experience the mountains, wildlife and glaciers of Argentina and Chile on the journey around southern Patagonia.

Highlights include a city tour of Buenos Aires and visits to Peninsula Valdes; Tierra del Fuego National Park; Perito Moreno

Glacier; Torres del Paine National Park plus a city tour of Santiago de Chile.

The operator's product manager, Amy Shine, said: “To add to our best selling South American Highlights and Scenic South America tours which highlight the whole region, we wanted to offer something a little different which focuses more on specific countries such as Chile and Argentina.

"The Patagonian Discovery provides a fantastic mix of city

sightseeing in Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile with visits to spectacular sights like Tierra Del Fuego National Park or Perito Moreno Glacier. Although brand new, there’s growing interest in the tour."

Prices start from £3,449 per person including flights, 13 nights' breakfast accommodation and a range of guided sightseeing. The tour can be extended with a three-night stay in the Atacama Desert from £546 per person to include flights, three nights' breakfast accommodation and a range of sightseeing.

Moreno Glacier

Cox & Kings launches private tour to Patagonia COX & Kings, which organises luxury holidays to Chile, has launched an 11-day/eightnight private tour to Patagonia.

The package costs from £3,950 per person, including two nights at Hotel Lastarria, two nights at the Singular, three nights at Tierra Patagonia and a final night in Santiago at the Hotel Lastarria.

The price includes flights with LAN via Madrid, transfers, all excursions in Patagonia, breakfast accommodation in Santiago and full board accommodation at all other properties.

For more information see www.coxandkings.co.uk or call 0845-527 8174.

For more information on Chile visit www.chile.travel

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Brazil becomes number one gap year destination for British professionals BRAZIL HAS deposed Britain as the world’s sixth largest economy in the annual world economic league table, published by the Centre for Economic and Business Research.

The destination has also become one of the most popular destination for professional Brits volunteering abroad.

Dr Peter Slowe, managing director of volunteering organisation, Projects Abroad, said: “Brazil, unlike China, is a democracy which is much more attractive to investors and volunteers alike.

"Emerging countries have always been popular amongst British professionals volunteering abroad because their skills can prove invaluable in the development of local

economies but they also have the opportunity to learn from a rapidly changing environment.

“Brazil is politically stable and unlikely to undergo prolonged civil unrest which is likely to occur at some time in China.

“The punching power of Brazil as a whole has overtaken Britain because of the huge economic potential of people who live there. The destination has a variety of natural resources to rely on including gold and silver as well as oil off-shore and minerals in the Amazon. By contrast the UK economy is affected by the problems of the eurozone."

However, according to Slowe, in many areas Brazil is still an emerging nation

and the majority of the population has a standard of living behind what is enjoyed in Britain. Brazil struggled to develop under a variety of dictatorships throughout most of the last century and only became a truly democratic state in the mid-eighties.

Slowe said: “The country has huge potential but the vast majority of its resources are in the Amazon basin. The cost of exploiting this mineral wealth is the loss of the habitat and the traditions of indigenous tribes who have lived the same way since the Stone Age. “Many of our professional volunteers specifically devote their attention to managing Brazil’s development ecologically.”

March 16 2012

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southamerica Adventure Company adds family-friendly vessels in the Galapagos THE ADVENTURE Company has introduced family-friendly vessels on its 12-day Galapagos – Enchanted Islands itinerary.

With a maximum of 20 guests, families have peace of mind that their tots or teens will be travelling with children of a similar age and that all the equipment will be child-sized such as snorkelling equipment.

Each boat also has two guides which means discussions and briefings can be split in half and tailored to the children. Meals and activities are also designed with families in mind such as learning how to make knots or ice-cream sundaes.

The existing tour will also be split into two different itineraries this year for families to pick and choose the right destinations for them - one that takes in the island of Espanola with the highest rate of endemic species, or visiting Fernandina, the youngest island in Galapagos.

Prices lead in at £3,999 for adults and £3,199 for children (minimum age is six years) and include flights, accommodation, most meals, transport and a local leader.

Departures are in March, April, July, August and December.

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Peru

Meanwhile, the operator has added a 13-day People of Peru trip, designed by TV presenter, Ben Fogle, who describes the itinerary as "very much about immersing yourself within the culture and the people through homestays - having local guides who can direct you through the foods you can eat."

The trip visits two local communities at Lake Titicaca, takes to the water by kayak and crosses the Andes to Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu.

Prices lead in at £2,329 per person including flights, ten nights’ accommodation, transport, some meals and a local leader.

Departures are in May, August and September.

For more information call 0845-609 0889 or visit www.adventurecompany.co.uk

16:29

Intrepid Travel offers BOGOF deal to Peru INTREPID TRAVEL is offering a buy one, get one free promotion on selected departures to Peru for bookings made by March 31, for travel by September 30, while single travellers can choose to book a single trip with a 30% discount.

Trips include the Inca Trail Express, a seven-day option that costs from £715 for two, excluding flights.

The trip begins in Cuzco and heads through the fertile heartland of the Sacred Valley before trekking Machu Picchu.

A nine-day Classic Peru option is also available and costs from £1,085 for two, excluding flights. Guests can retrace the steps of the Incas to Machu Picchu, visit colonial cities, markets and meet with locals.

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southamerica Aysén self-drive option from Journey Latin America JOURNEY LATIN America is offering a new Aysén self-drive itinerary which includes accommodation and necessities such as maps, route information and useful tips for the journey.

The Austral Road is a mostly unpaved levelled track carved through some of the most fractured territory. This was for centuries Chile’s tierra incognita, cut off from the rest of the country by fjords, mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, rivers and dense forest.

The isolated fishing and livestock rearing communities which settled there remained marooned, or had to travel by an often stormy sea through the archipelago which defines the coast. Their harsh, traditional way of life has changed little even now and the operator has launched the new programme to offer visitors the chance to explore the pristine region.

Prices for a 13-day trip start from £3,358 per person, based on two people sharing, including domestic flights, 4WD car hire for seven days with collision damage waiver, map of principal routes, additional driver cover, private transfers, nine nights' hotel accommodation, three nights in a luxury lodge in Torres del Paine with breakfast, some other meals, a private guided walking tour of Santiago and explorations in Torres del Paine National Park.

The price excludes transatlantic flights.

For more information visit www.journeylatinamerica. co.uk or call 020-3603 8968.

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Travel 2 sees mixed growth throughout South America TRAVEL 2 reports that Ecuador, normally linked with Galapagos cruises, is seeing a slowdown following a significant increase in flight costs after the Ecuadorean government removed subsidies on internal flights at the start of the year. Argentina, Chile and Peru meanwhile, are all selling well according to the operator, but the real growth is in Central America, particularly Costa Rica and Mexican touring, where rates remain good value and lower than the rest of the continent.

The operator's Canada, Alaska, Latin America & USA touring product & purchasing manager, Brian Hawe, said: "Rio de Janeiro continues to be the 'must see and do' destination in Brazil, often combined with the beach resort of Búzios and either Iguassu Falls or the Amazon for those holidaying entirely within Brazil. More common though is a multi-country itinerary combining Rio, Iguassu and Argentina, or for the more adventurous Brazil, Argentina and either Chile or Peru.

"Hotel rates in Brazil are being impacted in several ways – a booming economy and high demand from the USA, coupled with an insufficient bed stock to meet the rising demand; the 2014 World Cup and then the 2016 Olympics are also bringing anticipation of good times ahead for the hotel industry and massive increases are the unfortunate result in these circumstances.

"The market to Brazil does still have life in it, but the added woes of a weak UK economy are making travellers with no set plans look at the cheaper and better value alternatives in Central America."

As an example of packages, a ten-day Essential Costa Rica option leads in at £1,799 per person, based on two sharing, and includes flights from Heathrow with Iberia, nine nights' accommodation and various meals. The deal offers a saving of £140 per couple when booked by April 30 and travel dates are between May 1 and June 30.

New ten-day Discover Panama tour from Collette COLLETTE WORLDWIDE Holidays has added five new Latin America tours to its 2012 programme, including a ten-day journey through Panama.

Called ‘Discover Panama’, the itinerary includes a host of highlights including a private cookery demonstration by a celebrated local chef; a walking tour of Panama city; a ride on the historic Panama Canal Railway; a cruise through the Panama Canal; an excursion to an Embera indigenous village; and a trip on a Rainforest Tram for canopy level views over the rainforest.

The operator's UK general manager, Peter Traynor, said: “This new tour appeals to the visitor who wants to see more of Panama than a transit through the canal on a large ocean cruise ship.

"Seeing the Panama Canal from a smaller Casco Antiguo, Panama vessel adds a new dimension even to repeat visitors, but this tour really offers immersion in the local culture and highlights the variety of experiences available in Panama - city, rain forest, wildlife and beach.”

Prices start from £2,099 per person and include 15 meals, flights, accommodation, the services of a tour manager throughout and free door to door transfers within 100-miles of the UK departure airport.

Arblaster & Clarke offers wine tasting Chile tour for 2013 ARBLASTER & Clarke is running a wine tasting tour to Chile, Argentina & Uruguay from February 6-17, 2013.

The tour to Chile offers the chance to meet with key winemakers and travel 200 miles south, from Santiago to Maule.

Highlights include taking in important Chilean regions from Santiago to sample

fresh white wines, visiting Maipo D.O. where the vineyards are closer to the Andes than any other Chilean wine region and visiting Rapel, Curicó and Maule.

Prices for the 'Vineyards of Chile’ tour lead in at £3,999 per person.

For more information visit www.winetours.co.uk

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cyprus THE MEDITERRANEAN Beach Hotel in Limassol, which features 288 guest rooms, is offering a 20% discount including breakfast when guests book to stay at the property this month or next. Prices lead in at £69.63 with the discount. The hotel features several restaurants and bars, a health spa, kids' club, swimming pools and watersport facilities.

For details visit www.ghotw.com/mediterranean-beach-hotel or call 020-7380 3658.

Constantinou Bros announces series of refurbishments for summer CONSTANTINOU BROS Hotels has announced further refurbishments to the Athena Beach Hotel and the complete renovation and upgrade to the Pioneer Beach Hotel.

The four-star Athena Beach Hotel features 429 rooms and is a popular choice for both families and couples.

Improvements include new Junior Suites with private pools, additional Superior rooms and Suites with espresso machines, dvd players and free Wi-fi with separate check-in, a welcome drink and late breakfast until 11:00. A new Premium package ‘ultra’ all-inclusive option includes a

choice of five restaurants, international branded drinks, complimentary mini-bar on arrival and two à la carte restaurant vouchers per week. Superior and Suites premium packages also offer unlimited à la carte dining.

The Pioneer Beach Hotel is an adult-focused hotel which is being renovated and upgraded to a four-star deluxe hotel and is scheduled to open on April 25. Improvements to the property include the renovation of all public areas, a new spa, a new Thalassa lagoon style floating a la carte restaurant, renovations of all

hotel rooms, new Superior Deluxe rooms and Suites with a Jacuzzi in bathrooms, espresso machines, dvd players and free Wi-fi with late breakfast until 11:00.

The property will also feature a new private beach Cabanas for Superior Deluxe and Suite guests. A Premium package ‘ultra’ all-inclusive option includes a choice of four restaurants, international branded drinks and stocked complimentary mini-bar on arrival. The property is exclusively featured as a Thomson ‘Couples’ hotel and is also featured by First Choice.

Columbia Beach Resort highlights new cycling, scuba, golf and spa offers THE COLUMBIA Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay has announced new offers for active holidaymakers this spring.

From April onwards guests can try mountain biking, a round of golf or a lesson at a top international golf course, scuba diving, a yoga lesson and a special treatment package in the resort’s spa.

As an example, the cycling package includes bikes that are available on site at the resort, a packed lunch with an energy

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March 16 2012

drink and water, maps and recommended cycling routes.

Five nights in a Junior Suite on a bed-and-breakfast basis, including hire of a mountain bike for five days and the extras, costs from £505 per person based on two sharing.

The price also includes a half-hour massage at the spa per person per stay.

Rates are valid April 1 to October 31 and exclude flights.

For more information visit www.columbia-hotels.com

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cyprus Prestige Holidays hopeful for increase in bookings despite current 'flat sales' PRESTIGE HOLIDAYS has reported that business to Cyprus remains flat despite the company featuring a range of special offers and added value deals through its Prestige Plus programme.

The operator's chairman and managing director, John Dixon, said: "Cyprus like a lot of destinations waxes and wanes in popularity. This year is proving tough as clients are looking for great offers and to cut costs where possible. Cyprus holidays, even with special offers, remain quite expensive due in part to the high quality of the hotels we feature.

"We are working closely with agents to push our added value deals including free half-board at the Almyra, Anassa, Asimina Suites, Amathus Beach Limassol, Columbia Beachotel, and Annabelle hotels as well as excellent second room discounts at Le Meridien Limassol, Anassa and Aphrodite Hills. We are also highlighting interesting events such as a hosted tennis week with Annabel Croft at Aphrodite Hills in April. I am hopeful that

the continued effort of our sales and marketing teams will result in an increase in bookings for Easter and the summer."

The company is offering a week's stay at Aphrodite Hills during the Annabel Croft tennis week from £1,079 per person, based on a departure on April 7. The price includes Thomsonfly flights from Luton, bed-and-breakfast accommodation in a deluxe garden/pool view room, private transfers and the services of a local rep. Also included is a 'stay seven nights for the price of six', which offers a saving of £78 per person. The tennis academy coaching costs £475 per person.

Other offers featured by the operator include free child places at the Anassa hotel, early booking offers at the Almyra, Mediterranean Beach, Four Seasons and Columbia Beach Resort and Columbia Beachotel and special spa deals at the Almyra and Aphrodite Hills.

For more information see www.prestigeholidays.co.uk or call 01425- 480400.

Olympic Holidays extends free half-board upgrade offers at selection of properties OLYMPIC HOLIDAYS has extended its free half-board upgrades at top-end Cyprus hotels beyond the March 31 booking deadline to encourage early sales for the coming summer.

Five-star hotels where the upgrade applies include Le Meridien Limassol and the Four Seasons in Limassol, and the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills and Annabelle in Paphos.

The operator's commercial director, Photis Lambrianides, said: "These are all top-quality five-star hotels, so the extended free upgrade from bed-andbreakfast to half-board is a generous one.

"Hoteliers at the luxury end of the market have taken on board that adding value encourages early bookings and we expect these free upgrades to stimulate the market.

"While the top end of the market tends to book earlier anyway, the board upgrades are making luxury holidays even better value and more people are realising it makes sense to book early. At this stage and helped by hoteliers, we are looking at modest growth for the luxury end of the market to Cyprus in 2012. It's to be hoped the momentum can be maintained."

Seven nights' half-board in June now costs from £979 at Le Meridien Limassol, from £1,019 at the Four Seasons, from £999 at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills and from £869 at the Annabelle.

Free half-board is also available at the four-star Almyra in Paphos, a Design Hotels member with the company's highest Platinum rating that costs from £809 for seven nights in June.

Meanwhile, the Cyprus resorts of Agia Napa and Protaras are especially popular with young people and families and are showing good promise for this summer according to Lambrianides.

He said: "Agia Napa and Protaras have been selling well early on this year, in particular the higher-quality apartments and three-star hotels that are popular with families."

In its new luxury Gold & Platinum Collection brochure, the operator has added the five-star Grecian Park Hotel in Protaras, where seven nights' breakfast accommodation costs from £599.

Expansion of the self-catering offer in the company's budget Smart Choice brochure for summer also sees new

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units in Cyprus including three-star hotel, the Navarria Hotel in Limassol.

As an example of packages, a seven-night self-catering stay at the Diomylos Hotel Apartments in Agia Napa in August costs £409 per person (child £315), sharing a onebedroom apartment. The price includes flights from Gatwick and transfers.

For more information or to book call 0844-499 4449 or visit www.olympicholidays.com

CYPRUS Widest selection of quality accommodations from 5 Boutique Hotels to Villas with Pools matched by product knowledge & 40 years experience

£40

incentive for every package holiday booking until further notice

To request brochure or booking call us on

020 8340 7612 Cyplon Supreme Agents Club

Holidays Bookings over

£7,000

will receive an amazing gift of Bubbles & Truffles

email sales on how to join and what the benefits are

Price Matching Will be Considered Book on line www.cyplon.co.uk or Email: sales@cyplon.co.uk

March 16 2012

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sbsulletin cnyepwru AGTA announces AGM details THE 2012 Annual General Meeting of the Association of GreekCypriot Travel Agents (AGTA) will be held on June 25 from 18:30 at the Cyprus Brotherhood, 1 Britannia Road, London, N12 9RU. The AGM dinner will follow after the official part of the meeting at around 19:45. Standard AGM notices/invitations will be sent to members and guests in due course.

For more information email yannis@agta.co.uk or see www.agta.co.uk

Alexander the Great Beach Hotel announces extensive upgrades KANIKA HOTELS & Resorts' Alexander the Great Beach Hotel in Paphos is to undergo extensive renovations from November 28 to February 28, 2013, during which time the hotel will be closed.

The official reopening of the property will be on March 1, 2013.

Attraction World highlights Troodos Mountains & Nicosia tour ATTRACTION WORLD is promoting its Troodos Mountains and Nicosia Tour, which is one of its most popular tours on Cyprus.

The day trip takes visitors to the top of the Troodos Mountains and a highlight of the trip is a visit to the traditional village of Omodos.

En-route to the mountains, the tour stops off at Nicosia where free time is allocated to discover the old town centre or pay a visit to the barrier (also known as the Green Line) that has been dividing Nicosia into two since the Turkish invasion in 1974.

Prices lead in at £30 for adults and £15 for children aged two-12 and are fully commissionable to agents.

For more information call 0871-700 8888 or see www.attractionworld.com

St Raphael Resort announces restaurant refurbishment THE FIVE-STAR St Raphael Resort in Limassol has announced that it is currently refurbishing its Octagon Restaurant and will be reopening by the end of this month.

The property's business development director, Farah Shammas, said: “The refurbishment includes expanding the restaurant so that it offers a larger seating capacity.

The buffet areas are being revamped to give an entirely new fresh look as is the flooring, ceiling, soft furnishings and windows. The new Octagon restaurant will also have a new entrance and reception area. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to the new look Octagon which is due to re-open shortly.”

In addition, the hotel is also undergoing some minor upgrades to the main building guest rooms and will also be introducing a new menu at the recently opened Seashells Beach Tavern. A total of 400 new sun beds have also been ordered in time for the start of the busy summer period.

Package holidays to the resort are available through a range of operators, including Planet Holidays, Thomas Cook, Olympic Holidays and Cyplon.

For more information visit www.raphael.com.cy

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cyprus Sunvil Holidays invites independent travellers to sample real island life SUNVIL HOLIDAYS' latest 2012 brochure invites the independent traveller to experience real island life.

The operator says that its commitment to the island and its locals stems from the team’s attitude to sustainable tourism. Programme manager, Alexis Josephides, said: “Over many years we have worked with the local communities and formed strong relationships. Our partners know that we’ve never been in business for a fast buck; our interest, like theirs, is in preserving the land for those who live there and for those who visit.�

As well as family-run apartments and exclusive hotels, the operator features a broad selection of villas, village houses and inns - usually off the beaten track and often owner-managed.

New for this year is a boutique village inn, Casale Panayiotis, located in the Troodos mountain village of Kalopanayiotis, where a group of traditional houses have been renovated to create 13 individually-designed rooms and suites.

Other character options include The Library Hotel, an adults-only, ethically

Lavrentino Spa, Casale Panayiotis

restored 19th century property in the traditional village of Kalavasos, with a small spa; and Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort, a former 17th century monastery near Paphos (also adult-only), established originally by two monks in recognition of the healing properties of the water.

Prices lead in at ÂŁ465 per person based on three sharing for a seven-night stay at Kotsias Hotel Apartments in Pissouri on a self-catering basis, including Gatwick/Paphos flights and car hire.

For more information call 020-8758 4759 or visit www.sunvil.co.uk

CYPRUS

Prestige Holidays offer a superb range of the best hotels in Cyprus, smaller boutique hotels to larger resort hotels, family friendly, spa and golf hotels.

Many offers including children stay free, free nights, free half board and free Spa treatments. Prices start from ÂŁ675 per person on B&B for a weeks stay in a 4 star hotel this summer.

Marks & Spencers vouchers for each booking made.

More affordable luxury holidays from your local airport.

Prestige Holidays on 01425 484202 www.prestigeholidays.co.uk

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cyprus Cyplon reports demand for tailor-made holidays

We asked our staff the following question this week: What's your favourite song at the moment?

Publisher: Jeanette Ratcliffe jeanette.ratcliffe@travelbulletin.co.uk Earthquake by Labrinth

Editor: Lauretta Wright lauretta.wright@travelbulletin.co.uk Give Me Everything - Pitbull

Assistant Editor: Jill Sayles jill.sayles@travelbulletin.co.uk Listening to Buenos Aires by Turzi and Seven Stars by Air

Contributing Editor: Paul Scudamore post@travelbulletin.co.uk Welsh National Anthem (for tomorrow's Six Nations game against France in Cardiff)

Sales Director: Simon Eddolls simon.eddolls@travelbulletin.co.uk Paradise by Coldplay

Advertisement Manager: Tim Podger tim.podger@travelbulletin.co.uk Brown Sugar - Rolling Stones

Online Sales Manager: Nick Boocock nick.boocock@travelbulletin.co.uk Born To Die by Lana Del Rey

Account Manager: Bill Coad bill.coad@travelbulletin.co.uk I'm sexy and I know it! by LMFAO

Sales Executive: Chris Gascoine chris.gascoine@alaincharles.com Rebecca Ferguson on the Nescafe advert

Design: Genaro Santos genaro.santos@alaincharles.com Ron Hall Featuring Mark Evans - The Way You Love Me

Assistant Layout Design: Nicky Valsamakis nicky.valsamakis@alaincharles.com Ditch Dreaming by Sounder

Production: Jeremy Walters jeremy.walters@alaincharles.com Anything with a decent tune that can be sung in the shower.

Circulation Manager: Jim Merchant Travel Bulletin is published by Alain Charles Publishing (Travel) Ltd University House, 11-13 Lower Grosvenor Place, London, SW1W 0EX, Tel: 020-7834 6661 Printed by: Wyndeham Grange Limited - Travel Bulletin is published weekly and distributed to every ABTA, TTA & GTG agent.

Subscriptions are £105 p.a. for tour operators and others, plus additional ABTA, IATA copies.

Overseas subscriptions by air mail: £155 ISSN: 0956-2419

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March 16 2012

CYPLON HOLIDAYS has reported an increase in its tailor-made product following the launch of its 40th anniversary brochure which features new products with options on flight departures from a variety of airports, seat and accommodation-only availability, combination holidays, free car hire options and free half- and full-board upgrades.

Also new in the anniversary brochure is the Supreme Resorts on Cyprus. These include Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills, Amathus Beach Hotel in Paphos, Annabelle, Elysium, Asimina Suites, Almyra, Columbia Beach Resort, Anassa, Four Seasons Hotel, Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort, Amathus Beach hotel and Grecian Park Hotel. The resorts were chosen for their specific features such as fine dining, top class service, spa facilities and quality accommodation, with some properties offering suites with private pools.

The operator's sales & marketing director, Tass Anastasi, said: "Figures show that we have the same number of bookings to date as for 2011, but the revenue per pax has increased significantly. Tailor-made holidays

are on the increase due to our ability to mix and match holidays between Greece, Cyprus, the Greek Islands and Egypt.

"We are also noticing an increase in wedding bookings for 2013 where we are able to secure the wedding dates, venues and also confirm rooms and prices for the choice of accommodation of bridal couples."

For more information call 0800074 8888, visit www.cyplon.co.uk or email sales@cyplon.co.uk

Planet puts latest brochure online for agents PLANET HOLIDAYS has uploaded its latest Cyprus brochure online at www.planet-holidays.co.uk for the first time, and is encouraging agents to visit the site to email pages to clients or download selected pages and print them for their clients.

The company's managing director, Mathilde Robert, said: “Our brochures are detailed and we wanted to be able to offer agents the brochure online in an easy format to download pages as and when they need them, as well as email links to clients and create a user friendly platform to sell a lifestyle holiday to Cyprus.”

The site also features a 'Special Offers' section which is updated weekly with the best deals.

The operator's 2012 programme features all the popular resorts of Cyprus including Limassol, Paphos, Pissouri, Aphrodite's Rock, Western Cyprus, Troodos Mountains, Protaras, Agia Napa and Larnaca.

Prices for the end of April start from £575 per person staying at the five-star Annabelle including flights from Gatwick, transfers and breakfast accommodation.

puzzlesolutions Crossword: Across: 1. TAP, 3. HAWORTH, 6. EL SALVADOR, 8. AMAZON, 9. BLUE, 12. EL AL, 13. OBEROI, 15. VALPARAISO, 17. AUGUSTA, 18. KIM. Down:1. THE RAVEN, 2. PESCARA, 3. HELIOS, 4. WHAM, 5. RHO, 7. BENIDORM, 10. LERWICK, 11. IBERIA, 14. APES, 16. AUG.

Highlighted Word: PARIS Travagrams: (top) Koh Phangan

(bottom) Galápagos

Where Am I?: Mount Logan

www.travelbulletin.co.uk

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Luxury SAVINGS

Canary Islands 5+ Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque

5+ Princesa Yaiza

TENERIFE

LANZAROTE

SAVE up to £574*

SAVE up to £140*

Complimentary upgrade to half board

Reduced rates

Min. 7 night stays until 31 Mar.

For stays 1 May-31 Oct. Book before 30 Apr.

5+ Royal Garden Villas

5+ Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort

TENERIFE

7 nights for the price of 6 Enjoy one free night for b&b stays 14-30 Apr

FUERTEVENTURA

SAVE up to £322* 5+ Iberostar Hotel Anthelia

Reduced rates

TENERIFE

For stays 1 May-31 Oct. Book before 15 Apr.

SAVE up to £126*

5+ Gran Hotel Atlantis Bahia Real

Reduced rates For stays 1 May-31 Oct. Book before 31 Mar

FUERTEVENTURA

SAVE up to £392* 5+ Abama

Reduced rates

TENERIFE

For stays 1 May-31 Oct. Book before 31 Mar.

SAVE up to £252*

4+ Jardin Tecina

Reduced rates For stays 1 May-31 Oct. Book before 30 Apr.

LA GOMERA

SAVE up to £112* Reduced rates For stays until 30 Apr.

CALL 0800 008 7288

www.classic-collection.co.uk

*per couple per week

5030